With Modest $45M Budget, Foundation Still Looks More Expensive Than Pricey Flops Like Secret Invasion

As various TV shows are showing off their price tags and trying to pour as much money into their production as they can (not necessarily with great results), Apple TV continues to teach the industry a lesson while actually saving up.

Foundation is currently in its second season, and it looks like the show keeps getting better. The most interesting thing about the show is that it somehow manages to looks super expensive — even though the first season only had a budget of $45 million.

For comparison there, MCU series usually enjoy a budget of $25 million per episode, while Foundation doubles it for the entire season.

Meanwhile, Marvel fans are scratching their heads over Secret Invasion and its whopping $212 million budget (read that again). You can hardly see it on screen, as the show doesn't involve things like space battles or massive magical duels (like Marvel usually does).

It's only fair to suggest that the budget for Foundation's second season has increased, but still, the show manages to look pricier than it is without actually spending money.

Given that the show is an epic sci-fi that literally takes place in the Galactic Empire, it sure seems like a challenge to convey the futuristic landscapes without the Marvel-esque budgets.

At the same time, the shows with actual Marvel budgets fail to do the very same thing, even though they are not necessarily set up in space. Maybe Marvel could use some of Apple TV's experience when it comes to saving up without sacrificing quality? Just an idea.

Foundation is currently available for streaming on Apple TV Plus. Season 2 Episode 6 will premiere on Friday, August 18.

Source: Forbes